If you read the headlines this week and thought, “Wait, does this mean compounded GLP-1 meds are over?” you're wrong… actually, it's just getting started.
A bunch of my clients messaged me in a panic after hearing that Novo Nordisk is partnering with Hims & Hers, Ro, and LifeMD to offer Wegovy® through telehealth. The way the headlines read, it sounds like compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide are getting shut down for good.
But that’s not the whole story. As a health coach and someone who's been keeping up with GLP-1s since 2019, I’m here to break it all down and help you figure out what this means for you, your wallet, and your weight loss goals.
Novo Nordisk Teams Up With Hims & Hers, Ro, Life MD, Media Outlets
Novo Nordisk, the maker of Wegovy® (semaglutide), is teaming up with Hims & Hers, Ro, and LifeMD (and others) to make their blockbuster weight loss drug available via telehealth with a cash pay for Wegovy® option. That's right, you no longer need insurance for the weight loss medication that has changed the weight loss world in just a few years.
Why now? Because the FDA recently declared the shortage of semaglutide “resolved.” That means compounding pharmacies can “no longer” legally make bulk copies of those drugs under the FDA shortage exemption.
Note: learn the differences between compounded GLP-1 vs name-brand GLP-1.
So Novo moved quickly. They want to catch patients who were using compounded semaglutide while it was allowed and now need a next step.
And, as Novo (and the rest of the Big Pharma companies, like Eli Lilly) team up with all the media outlets + popular telehealth brands, they are attempting to take full control of the market – with product and propaganda.
This is actually horrible news for patients, although they want you to think it's “safer” and “more reliable.”
No way Novo… you're reaching for more… money that is… obviously.
But I've been seeing telehealth brands that strictly offer compounded GLP-1s change course, innovate and continue to offer them at lower prices, which is great news for American patients.
Novo Nordisk's play is obvious – they are trying to squeeze patients, control the narrative and wipe out competition completely.
If you read news stories like the one on CBNC, you would think compounding GLP-1s is 100% over – doom and gloom.
But they (CNBC) and other media outlets are being persuaded by Big Pharma.
Perhaps Big Pharma is dropping off the brown bags? I have a feeling they did that with the judges who ruled in their favor.
I know one thing… Both Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk are paying a 30% snitch fee to people snitching on the compounding GLP-1 providers. 🤯 Actually really smart of them. They are doing everything they can to win back the market.
What Does This Mean for You?
If you were using compounded semaglutide from a telehealth company, you might be worried. But don’t hit the panic button just yet.
Novo Nordisk is trying to steer people toward their own direct-to-consumer program (NovoCare), or toward telehealth platforms like Ro or Hims that now offer access to name-brand Wegovy®. These platforms are advertising prices starting at $499/month… or $599/month on hims & hers!!!
Who's going to be able to afford this? But wait… there's more…
Let’s be honest: that “starting price” is for the lowest dose. Once you increase your dose (which almost everyone does around Month 2 or 3), that number jumps. Some patients are seeing prices closer to $1,000/month by the time they reach full dosing.
Exactly what Novo Nordisk wants – AKA get patients paying over $1k per month forever. Wasn't that the original price when it was offered only for obesity patients with insurance?
And now, they're getting their offer (Wegovy®) out there to more people by leveraging strategic partnerships with hims, hers, and other big players.
Why Compounded GLP-1s Aren’t Going Anywhere
Now here’s where it gets interesting.
Yes, the FDA shortage exemption is ending.
No, that doesn’t mean compounding is dead.
Many telehealth brands have already started offering personalized compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide — with ingredients like B6 or B12 added to create a “custom” formulation.
After reading emerging lawsuits on Eli Lilly vs other telehealth brands, I personally believe these are marketing flaws for the telehealth providers, where they focus on the weight loss for the primary reason to use GLP-1s.
They can also continue offering compounded versions on a case-by-case basis if there’s a clinical need (like allergies or pill intolerance). And most importantly, state-licensed pharmacies still have flexibility in how they compound and prescribe.
Put simply: providers are adapting, not disappearing.
Compounded vs. Brand-Name GLP-1s
Here’s a quick comparison I share with my clients:
| Feature | Compounded GLP-1s | Brand-Name (Wegovy®) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $249–$299/month flat | $499–$1,000+/month (varies by dose) |
| FDA Status | Not FDA-approved but regulated | FDA-approved |
| Custom Formulations | Often include B12 or other vitamins | Standardized doses |
| Accessibility | Easier access, fast shipping | Often requires prior auth or insurance hassle |
So, Why Did Novo Do This?
Simple: control the market… or better said – regain control of the market.
With compounded versions being phased out for mass production, Novo wants to keep that market share locked in. By working with popular telehealth companies, they make it “easier” for patients to stay on brand-name Wegovy® — while making sure they (and their partners) make the most money.
If this feels like Big Pharma playing chess, it kind of is.
What I Tell My Clients
Don’t let the headlines scare you.
You still have options.
If you have good insurance and can get brand-name Wegovy® or Zepbound covered, great.
But if you’re paying out of pocket or need a more affordable path, compounded GLP-1s aren’t going away anytime soon.
Many brands I trust are still offering them legally, safely, and affordably.
Trusted Brands Still Offering Compounded GLP-1s:
- Remedy Meds ($120 off 1st month): Simple process, flat pricing, U.S. based doctors and pharmacies
- Join Josie: Especially great for women in menopause
- Prime Health: Strong support system, unlimited coaching included
- Health RX: Still active, quick approval processes
Note for Women over 40: Check out our trusted menopause GLP-1 providers.
Before You Choose, Ask These Questions:
- Is the price flat, or does it go up as my dose increases?
- Will I be locked into a subscription?
- Am I getting brand-name or compounded?
- Does it include support/coaching?
- Do I have access to a doctor?
Final Thoughts
If this week’s news gave you whiplash, you’re not alone. But here's the real takeaway:
Novo Nordisk's partnerships with Hims, Ro, and LifeMD aren't the end of affordable GLP-1 options. They're just the next move in a much bigger game.
As a health coach, I’m keeping tabs on all of this for my clients, and I’ll continue to recommend what’s best for each person based on their goals, their hormones, and their budget.
There is no one-size-fits-all.
And fortunately, you still have choices.